Amid a wave of executive orders, Gov. Doug Ducey decided this week to allow Arizona veterinarians to use telemedicine when seeing patients.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there is no conclusive evidence showing companion animals, like dogs and cats, can spread COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Nevertheless, the governor is allowing veterinarians to diagnose and treat animals the same way medical doctors now use telephone and computer hookups to help human patients.
As everyone practices physical distancing, Ducey said he wants to give pet owners and livestock producers access to proper care for their animals.
The executive order also prevents pet insurance companies from denying coverage solely because the service was provided at the owner’s home.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The story has been updated to correct who is allowed to use telemedicine.
